For Buddhist followers, Kushinagar in eastern Uttar Pradesh is a sacred site as it’s here Lord Buddha attained salvation. The place has several monuments, ancient relics and temples of immense religious or spiritual significance that attract devotees from all parts of the world. One of those sites is the Muktabandhana Stupa, a huge stupa which was excavated by Carlyle in 1876 and which is dedicated to the Lord himself.

Made entirely of bricks, the walls of the Muktabandhana Stupa have Brahmi inscriptions stating about the cremated remains of the Lord Buddha in this very stupa. The excavation that took place back then found this stupa covered in a 40 feet mound of bricks. The big and beautiful stone sculpture of Lord Buddha is kept in the stupa which is a major highlight for visitors and devotees here.  

The city of Kushinagar has several other ancient monuments as they, together with the Muktabandhana Stupa, make this place one of the most holy sites for followers of Buddhism. Some of other ancient monuments of repute here include Nirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Mathakaut Temple and Watt Thai Temple. Another major Buddhist place, Sarnath in Varanasi is just at 4 hour drive from this place and you can plan your itinerary accordingly.